As Amended and Restated February 23, 2023
Section 1
NAME
The name of this corporation is The Nature Conservancy (“TNC”). TNC is a nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the District of Columbia.
Section 2
PURPOSES
The Nature Conservancy is organized, and shall be operated, exclusively for educational, scientific, and charitable purposes as may qualify it for tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law). More specifically, the mission of TNC is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
Section 3
MEMBERSHIP (NON-VOTING)
(a) Eligibility. Any responsible individual or organization approving of the objectives of TNC shall be eligible for membership, which membership shall be non-voting. The dues for members shall be determined by such procedures as may be established by the Board.
(b) Classes. TNC may have the following classes of members: honorary, life, annual, and corporate and others as may be determined by the Board. The qualifications of each class shall be determined from time to time by the Board.
(c) Duration. Honorary and life members, who are eighteen years or more of age, shall hold membership for life and annual members and corporate members shall hold membership for periods of one year, in accordance with procedures to be established by the Board.
Section 4
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(a) Composition. The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than nine nor more than twenty-seven members, including the Chief Executive Officer, as determined by the Board. The members shall be chosen, insofar as possible, to represent the varied interests and areas of expertise and competency that are of concern to TNC.
(b) Functions. The Board of Directors shall be responsible for all business of TNC and shall determine matters of policy. The Board may also make rules and regulations governing the establishment and operation of affiliated units of TNC.
(c) Terms. Members of the Board shall be elected for terms not to exceed three years. No member shall serve more than three consecutive three-year terms, except under the following circumstances:
(i) An incoming member who has been appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 8(e) hereof to fill a vacant or soon to be vacant position on the Board may serve until the date of the next annual meeting, and, if then elected, will be eligible to serve three full three-year terms.
(ii) At the election of the Board, an outgoing Chair of the Board who has completed their third consecutive term as a Board member, and whose service on the Board would otherwise expire, may serve an additional one-year term as a member of the Board;
(iii) The Chief Executive Officer’s term on the Board shall be coterminous with their service as the Chief Executive Officer of TNC; and
(iv) At the election of the Board, a member of the Board who has completed their third consecutive term as a Board member, and whose service on the Board would otherwise expire, may serve an additional one-year term as a member of the Board.
(d) Leave of Absence. A member of the Board of Directors may, with the approval of the Board of Directors, take a leave of absence for a period as determined by the Board, said leave not to be charged against the member’s term of office for any purpose. During the leave period, such member shall not be considered an acting member of the Board, including for purposes of attending meetings, determining quorums, or voting.
Section 5
COMMITTEES; SUB-COMMITTEES, ADVISORY COUNCILS
(a) Executive Committee. There shall be an Executive Committee which shall consist of the elective officers, the Chief Executive Officer, the chairs of any standing committees of the Board of Directors and the chairs of such other committee(s) as deemed appropriate by the Chief Executive Officer. Action taken at any meeting of the Executive Committee will be reported no later than the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee shall have and may exercise when the Board of Directors is not in session all the powers of the Board that may be lawfully delegated, provided that the Committee shall not make final determinations of policy.
(b) Standing Committees. The standing committees of TNC shall be the committees as established by these Bylaws. There shall be five standing committees: (1) a Governance, Nominating and Human Resources Committee, (2) an Audit Committee, (3) a Finance Committee, (4) a Board Project Review Committee, and (5) an Investment Committee. The chair and the members of each standing committee shall be appointed by the Chair of the Board of Directors. It is contemplated that the Chair of the Board, although not obligated to do so, will appoint the Treasurer of the Board to serve as the chair of the Finance Committee. The responsibilities of each standing committee shall be set forth in a committee charter which shall be reviewed from time to time by the Board and revised, as appropriate.
(i) The Governance, Nominating and Human Resources Committee shall present recommendations for elective officers and Directors to the Board of Directors and shall consult with the Chair of the Board with respect to the process by which members of the Board are assigned to committees. The Committee shall assist the Board of Directors by monitoring the overall management and governance structures of the organization, by evaluating senior executive performance and compensation and by overseeing policies regarding Board composition and performance.
(ii) The Audit Committee shall assist the Board of Directors in its oversight and monitoring TNC’s systems of internal controls and risk mitigation, in ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards and in selecting and hiring of the internal and independent auditors.
(iii) The Finance Committee shall assist the Board of Directors in its oversight responsibilities relating to fiscal management of organization-wide financial assets.
(iv) The Board Project Review Committee shall assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities over conservation projects and activities to ensure the use of sound conservation science and management of reputational, legal, and financial risks. Overall conservation strategy shall remain the purview of the Board.
(v) The Investment Committee shall assist the Board of Directors in its oversight responsibilities relating to the prudent management and investment of TNC’s assets.
(c) Other Committees, Sub-Committees, and Advisory Councils. The Board may establish by resolution such other committees, sub-committees, and advisory councils as it deems appropriate and a committee may establish by resolution any sub-committees.
(d) The Chief Executive Officer shall not serve on any committee other than the Executive Committee.
Section 6
OFFICERS
(a) Titles and Terms of Elective Officers. The elective officers of TNC shall be (1) a Chair of the Board, (2) not more than three Vice-Chairs, (3) a Secretary and (4) a Treasurer. The Chair shall be elected by a plurality of votes for a term of two years beginning at the adjournment of the Annual Meeting immediately after their election as described in Section 8 hereof. With the consent of the Chair and the approval of the Board, the Chair’s two-year term may be extended for a maximum of one additional year, and it is the expectation of the Board that the Chair’s term will be extended for such additional year. After a hiatus of service an individual cannot serve an additional term as Chair. Other elective officers shall be elected for terms not to exceed three years each.
(b) Titles and Terms of Appointive Officers. The appointive officers of TNC shall be a Chief Executive Officer, and such number of Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers as the Board may determine, who shall be appointed for one-year terms to be automatically renewed every year unless the Board determines otherwise.
(c) Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall be the chief executive officer of TNC and shall report to and be a member of the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for providing broad leadership and direction to the organization and for arranging meetings of the Board. Major responsibilities will include providing the Board of Directors with periodic reports on the condition of the organization and on external developments which can influence TNC’s future and providing consistent progress towards achievement of the organization’s vision, mission, and financial objectives. The Chief Executive Officer will establish and maintain management systems needed to ensure and report on the implementation of Board established policies. The Chief Executive Officer will serve as the chief spokesperson for the organization and represent it to appropriate outside groups. The Board may also choose to create the role of President, and the individual holding such role will report to the Chief Executive Officer and shall have such responsibilities as delegated by the Chief Executive Officer.
(d) Chair of the Board. The Chair of the Board shall be the senior officer of TNC and shall have general responsibility for the functioning of TNC between meetings of the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee. The Chair of the Board shall preside at meetings of TNC’s Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
(e) Vice Chair of the Board. The Vice Chair of the Board shall exercise the functions of the Chair in their absence. If there is more than one Vice Chair, they shall, in consultation with one another, determine the manner in which those functions shall be carried out.
(f) Secretary. The Secretary shall be responsible for the keeping of minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and for the performance of all duties normally pertaining to the Office of Secretary.
(g) Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be responsible for advising the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee on fiscal matters.
(h) Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers. The Assistant Secretaries and the Assistant Treasurers are employees of TNC who are appointed to their offices by the Board in accordance with these bylaws. The duties of the Assistant Secretaries and the duties of the Assistant Treasurers shall include exercising the functions of the Secretary and the Treasurer, respectively, in their absence.
Section 7
MEETINGS
(a) Frequency. There shall be an annual meeting of the Board of Directors at the call of the Chair of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer. The Board shall hold no fewer than three meetings annually, which may be held in person, telephonically or by other communication methods by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other in accordance with Section 7(d). Other meetings of the Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee may be held at the call of the Chair of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer. The Chair of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer shall also call meetings of the Board or of the Executive Committee when requested in writing by a quorum of the Board of Directors or by a quorum of the Executive Committee. Meetings of any other committee of the Board may be held at the call of the Chair of that committee.
(b) Notice. Reasonable notice shall be given of meetings of the Board of Directors or any of its committees.
(c) Quorums. One-third of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the Board. A majority of the members of the Executive Committee and all other Board and ad hoc committees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the committee. In the absence of a quorum at a duly called meeting, a lesser number may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be present. The affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be necessary and sufficient to the making of decisions by the Board, except as a larger vote may at any time be otherwise specifically required by law, the Articles of Incorporation of TNC, or these bylaws.
(d) Meetings. Unless otherwise required, any member of the Board of Directors or of any committee designated by the Board may participate in a meeting of the Board or committee by means of conference telephone or by other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting by means of such equipment shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. The Executive Committee and any other committees established by the Board may also transact business at a meeting, by fax, e-mail, or by any other method of communication in accordance with standard business practices. If exercising delegated Board powers, such committees may transact business at an in-person meeting, or by telephone conference or similar method of communication, or, with unanimous consent of the committee members, by fax, email or similar method of communication.
(e) Emergency Provision. At the call of the Chair or Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors may transact business without a meeting, provided that any such actions taken shall be with the prior written consent of all the members of the Board of Directors.
Section 8
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
(a) Nomination of Board Chair. At the first or second Board meeting immediately preceding the last Annual Meeting of the then current Chair, the Governance, Nominating and Human Resources Committee shall present to the Board its nominee(s) for Chair. The nominee(s) shall be included in the notice of the meeting. The consent of the nominee shall be obtained before their name is presented.
(b) Election of Board Chair. Election of the Chair shall be by a plurality of vote cast by the Board of Directors at a meeting where a quorum is present. The Board may vote at an in-person meeting, or a meeting conducted by conference call or other similar means of communication, or by unanimous written consent. The newly elected Chair’s term shall commence at the adjournment of the Annual Meeting immediately after their election. From the period between the new Chair’s election and the commencement of their term, the newly elected Chair shall work with the then Chair to ensure a smooth transition between Chairs.
(c) Nominations for Membership and Other Elective Officers. Prior to the annual meeting of the Board, the Governance, Nominating and Human Resources Committee shall present to the Board nominations for membership to the Board of Directors and elective officers thereof to be acted upon at the annual meeting. All nominations shall be included in the notice of the meeting. The consent of the nominee shall be obtained before their name is presented.
(d) Election for Membership and Other Elective Officers. Election shall be by a plurality of votes cast by the Board of Directors at a meeting where a quorum is present. The Board may vote at an in-person meeting, or a meeting conducted by conference call or other similar means of communication, or by unanimous written consent.
(e) Vacated or Empty Positions. The Board of Directors may appoint a person to fill any vacated or empty positions among the elective officers or members at large of the Board of Directors. A person so appointed shall serve until the next annual meeting at which point, they may be elected to the Board.
Section 9
FISCAL POLICIES
(a) Fiscal Year. The fiscal year for all business transactions of TNC shall be from July 1 of one year through June 30 of the following year.
(b) Disbursements. Disbursements shall be made only in accordance with a specific authorization, or a general budget approved by the Board of Directors and on such terms, including appropriate provisions for bonds, as may be established by the Board.
(c) Audits. There shall be an annual audit of TNC by an independent certified public accountant. The independent auditor shall be appointed annually by the Board upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee and shall report to the Audit Committee. The fees for the independent auditor shall be set by the Audit Committee. No less frequently than every five years, the Audit Committee shall recommend whether a new independent auditor should be selected. The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, may direct the audit of offices, programs and activities of TNC at such times and in such a manner as it may specify.
Section 10
INDEMNIFICATION
Any Board member or other person who performs services for the corporation at the request of TNC and who does not receive compensation other than reimbursement of expenses shall be immune from civil liability to the extent provided by applicable law. Each director, governor, or officer of TNC shall discharge their respective duties in compliance with the standards of the law of the District of Columbia, including, without limitation: (a) in good faith; (b) with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances; and (c) in a manner such director, governor or officer reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation, as determined by TNC.
TNC shall, to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by law, indemnify any director, governor, chapter trustee, international or domestic advisory board or advisory council member, officer, or employee, or former director, governor, chapter trustee, international or domestic advisory board or advisory council member, officer, employee, or any person who may have served at its express request as a director, governor, trustee, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether for profit or not for profit, against liability (including but not limited to judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement, attorneys’ fees, and related expenses) incurred in the performance of such duties or service, or incurred while acting in such capacity or arising out of their status as such, provided that person acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of TNC, as determined by TNC, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that such conduct was unlawful or fraudulent. TNC shall also indemnify directors and officers as required pursuant to applicable law. TNC shall have the right to select attorneys and to approve any settlements or legal expenses incurred in connection with any suit, action or proceeding to which this indemnification applies.
Section 11
AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be amended by two-thirds vote of the members of the Board of Directors in office, upon written notice at least seven days prior to any meeting of the Board of Directors.